Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

They had no problem focusing on the US and UK when those countries proposed bombing the grotesque and genocidal ISIS movement. Let us be clear: according to independent non-governmental organisations, 80% of Russia's bombs have been directed against democratic forces, including Kurdish forces. They have repeatedly targeted hospitals and used bunker-bursting bombs against civilian areas. That is not by accident; it is a core strategy. To try to equate this with the actions of democratic nations bombing ISIS is perverse. Yet, that is what we will continue to hear from those in this House and outside who love nothing better than to accuse others of hypocrisy.

We saw the same thing when Russia invaded, partitioned and started a war in a neighbouring country because people in that country wanted to get away from Russian dominance. In this House, Deputies trotted out the most sinister misinformation and moral relativism. In Europe, Sinn Féin even refused to condemn the partition of a sovereign country and repression against a national minority.

Russia's interference in the democratic politics of various European countries is growing all the time and always involves the support of hard right forces. It has acknowledged allocating funding for the National Front in France and has given, but not acknowledged, funding for a range of other neo-facist groups in Hungary and elsewhere. Russia's transparent support for Donald Trump's campaign and sinister attacks on Hillary Clinton are unprecedented and serve as a warning to us. At this grave moment, with this frantic anti-EU aggression and basic values at stake, those attending this EU summit must not step back. They must not agree with the right-wing politicians demanding an end to Russian sanctions. In fact, they need to wake up and stop acting as if Vladimir Putin will one day become a reliable neighbour. What we need from this summit is more clarity and a determination to get to grips with Brexit. We need a commitment to do whatever it takes to help countries under pressure. We need an unequivocal statement that Europe will not be intimidated by Russia or any groups trying to undermine basic democratic values. Ireland must speak up in this regard.

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